Dunn trying to shake off rust in key situations

MIAMI — Pitching in high-leverage innings late in games is difficult enough for any reliever. Marlins lefty Mike Dunn is also dealing with having to shake off some rust after being on the disabled list until a few days ago.

In Friday’s 6-2 loss to the Mets, Dunn was burned by James Loney, who belted a two-run homer that put New York ahead to stay in the seventh inning. Loney jumped on the first pitch Dunn threw, and his blast snapped a 2-2 tie.

The lone lefty in Miami’s bullpen, Dunn opened the season on the disabled list with a left forearm strain. He was reinstated on Tuesday, and he made his first appearance on Wednesday. In that game, a 3-2 win over the Pirates, Dunn entered with the bases full and allowed a two-run single to Matt Joyce.

After Loney’s homer, Dunn closed out the inning, striking out two, while giving up two hits.

“Obviously, he’s given up a couple hits when he’s came in, but he ends up finishing that inning,” manager Don Mattingly said. “It’s where we are at right now. I think he’s going to get better and better.”

The Marlins …

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